Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has welcomed a move from the NSW Government to offer rent relief to eligible businesses and not-for-profits that lease or license Crown land and who have suffered financial losses during COVID-19.
Mr Saunders said rent waivers will be offered for eligible organisations as part of a national code of conduct to support businesses.
“Many businesses and organisations across the region have been doing it incredibly tough as a result of COVID-19,” Mr Saunders said.
“I warmly welcome this support from the NSW Government which will help eligible regional businesses and not-for-profits that lease or licence Crown land to bounce back and get back on their feet financially.”
The rent relief is being offered by the NSW Government in line with the National Cabinet Mandatory Code of Conduct for SME Commercial Leasing Principles during COVID-19, which was announced in April 2020.
Rent relief is available for commercial leaseholders or licence holders with a turnover less than $50 million that operate a registered business on Crown land and have suffered at least a 30 per cent fall in turnover, or a 15 per cent fall for not-for-profits.
Eligibility will be determined on fluctuations in their turnover during COVID-19 compared to the same periods last year. The rent relief period will be from 1 April 2020 to 30 September 2020 and rent relief will be proportional to turnover loss. For further information visit: industry.nsw.gov.au/lands/your-account/covid-19-rental-assistance